About

From its humble beginnings in 1969, the Cottonwood Art Festival has developed into one of the most prestigious fine art festivals in the United States. Local artists staged their first festival at the scenic Cottonwood Park in Richardson, Texas. It was all tie-dye, bell-bottoms and braids back then where the artists laid down blankets and set up easels with the hopes of selling a few pieces of art. Since that first weekend nearly five decades later, Cottonwood has established itself as signature art event, become a tradition in the community and the home to the finest artists in the country for the first weekend of May and October.

 ADA Accommodations

The City of Richardson strives to make sure that Cottonwood Art Festival is an accessible event.

Accommodation requests for persons with disabilities should be made at least 14 days in advance of the festival by contacting the ADA Coordinator, via phone at 972 744-0908, via email at [email protected], or by appointment at 411 W Arapaho Road, Richardson, TX 75082. Individuals needing to schedule assistance with DART Paratransit please contact DART directly at 214-515-7272.

ADA Accessible parking is available near the front entrance of the festival on Belt Line Rd., as well as in the rear of the park, off of Dumont Dr. If you are traveling to the park in a vehicle that requires additional unloading space, we highly encourage you to use the accessible parking off of Dumont Dr. as there is limited loading on Belt Line Rd.

Click here for directions to ADA Accessible parking on Belt Line Rd. 

Click here for directions to ADA Accessible parking on Dumont Dr.

Admission

Admission to Cottonwood Art Festival is FREE, however some activities in the ArtStop Children’s area require a nominal fee.

Cottonwood reserves the right to decline admittance to anyone who violates the festival policies established for public safety or to restrict activities such as public address to designated areas.

Bicycles at Cottonwood

Cottonwood welcomes you to ride your bike to the festival and has provided a designated bike parking area near the main entrance of the park, off of Belt Line Rd., as we ask you not to ride your bicycle through Cottonwood Park. Bike racks will be provided for you and we encourage you to bring your lock as the festival will not provide one. Cottonwood and the City of Richardson is not responsible for lost or stolen bicycles.

Award Winning Festival

The Cottonwood Art Festival has been recognized by the International Festival & Events Association and Texas Festival & Events Association as an award-winning event in several categories over the years.

First Aid

Emergency Personnel is provided by the City of Richardson Fire Department and is available to assist as needed. In the case of an emergency, please notify a police officer, security or staff member right away.

Food & Beverage

The Food Court at Cottonwood offers a variety of festival favorites such as corn dogs, barbecue, gyros and so much more. Various non-alcoholic beverages are also available at each booth and vendors accept cash or credit cards.

Craft Beer, Wine, and Margaritas are available in the Imagery Courtyard or throughout the festival at various beverage carts. Alcoholic beverages are only sold to patrons 21 years and older presenting valid identification. State laws and regulations require that all alcoholic beverages purchased at the festival remain on-site. Security at the gates will ask you to dispose of any alcoholic beverages before you exit or enter.

Location

Cottonwood Park
1321 W. Belt Line Rd.
Richardson, TX  75080

Lost Child or Member of Your Party

In the case of a lost child or member of your party, please notify a police officer, security or staff member right away so that we can reunite them with you.

Media & Press Releases

For media inquiries please contact Festival Director, Dianna Lawrence at 972-744-4580 or [email protected].

Official Festival Merchandise

Visit the Cottonwood Festival Headquarters & Boutique located in the Imagery Courtyard for all your official festival merchandise. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to purchase the commemorative poster, t-shirt, hat, and more. All major credit cards are accepted.

Parking

Cottonwood parking is available across from the festival grounds at the Richardson High School football stadium (Beltline Rd.) Shuttles are available throughout the weekend to and from the parking area. 

Pets at Cottonwood

Since Cottonwood Art Festival is located in a public park, we allow well behaved dogs on leashes accompanied by an adult. If your dog does not get along with others (dogs, children or adults) please leave them at home. Please be considerate of artists and their art work and keep pets away from exhibits. If your pet damages an artist’s exhibit or work, you will be asked to clean or purchase the item. All owners must clean up after their dogs. There are doggie bags located throughout the park, however, we encourage you to utilize the East side of the park away from the Artist’s tent as a location for your pet to potty. You and your pet will be asked to leave if there are any issues regarding bad behavior.

Photo Policy

Please respect the original artwork of the artists. Taking photos of their work without permission first is prohibited. By entering the Cottonwood Art Festival, patrons grant the City of Richardson the right to use their image or likeness, or their child’s image or likeness, in any promotional or advertising materials and/or any live or recorded transmission of the Cottonwood Art Festival.

Prohibited Items

• Contraband, explosives, or other hazardous items
• Skateboards, skates, rollerblades, scooters, hoverboards, segways, or any personal motorized vehicle moving around the festival.
• Bicycles
• Frisbees
• No smoking except in designated areas (per City Ordinance No. 3710)
• Unauthorized vendors including unauthorized solicitors and materials including handbills, stickers, beach balls, give-aways, samples, etc.
• Personal bag, backpacks and coolers are allowed into the festival however persons and belongings entering the festival site may be subject to inspection for any prohibited items.

Restrooms

Portable facilities are located throughout the festival site. Permanent restrooms are also located near the Food Court.

Health & Safety

Your health and safety as a festival attendee is our top priority. The City of Richardson Police Department and a private security company provide on-site security and monitor the festival grounds throughout the weekend.